WNBA releases statement condemning racism, hate in wake of Sky vs. Fever drama
On Saturday, the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky kicked off their respective 2025-26 WNBA seasons with a heated showdown inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Indiana Fever fans let their presence be known, packing the stadium for the season-opener.
However, Fever fans’ impressive attendance was overshadowed after the game when the Fever crowd was accused of making racially insensitive comments toward the Chicago Sky players. On Sunday, the WNBA released a statement addressing these allegations.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society. We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter,” the statement read.
The Fever dominated the Sky, running away with a 93-58 win. In the victory, Fever star Caitlin Clark erupted for 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Angel Reese led the charge for the Sky, recording 12 points and 17 rebounds, but only shooting 5-14 from the field. After Clark committed a hard foul, which was ultimately ruled a Flagrant 1, on Reese in the third quarter, the former LSU star attempted to go after Clark.
— ESPN (@espn) May 17, 2025Caitlin Clark received a flagrant foul on this play.
Aliyah Boston and Angel Reese received offsetting technical fouls. pic.twitter.com/jzQYEW92TW
However, Clark’s teammate, Aliyah Boston, stood in between Reese and Clark before the situation could escalate. Reese was awarded free throws for the foul and Fever fans rained down boos on the 2024 All-Star as she stepped up to the charity stripe. Despite the undeniable heat of the moment, both players downplayed the exchange after the game.
“Basketball play,” Reese said. “Refs got it right. Move on.”
“It’s just a good take foul,” Clark said. “Either Angel gets a wide open two points or we send them to the free throw line. Nothing malicious about it. It’s just a good take foul. Every basketball player knows that.”
It’s not the first time that drama between Clark and Reese has made headlines. After Reese and LSU won the national championship against Clark and Iowa in 2023, Reese taunted Clark by doing her own celebration in her face.
Caitlin Clark struck back the following year, leading the Hawkeyes to a 94-87 win over LSU in the Elite Eight. In the vengeful victory, Clark tallied 41 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists.
Clark and Reese each moved onto the WNBA after the season and had immensely successful rookie years. Evidently, the pair’s stories won’t become untangled anytime soon. The Fever and Sky will square off again on June 7.
